August 2011This year we have made attempts to set off on long journeys but have ended up back in the UK for a variety of reasons. We have been back and forth so many times over the spring and summer I am confused about when we visited each place. I had to come back to Norfolk in June for an appointment to see an orthopaedic surgeon about my feet. I had an operation in May 2010 but by December this had clearly failed on the right foot. I saw him again in June and he recommended a more robust operation. I had this performed at the beginning of July and have to go back for another appointment and check x-ray at the end of October. It all appears to be healing well at the moment but I have to walk as little as possible and rest it whenever I can. All this is a real drag having been through all this on both feet last year. We stayed at Jon and Linda's in Rackheath for the first 6 weeks post op and are now on the move again in the motorhome.

We have christened the motorhome Pearl derived from the colour of her paintwork which is Pearlescent Grey. It has taken several attempts by Wildax to stop the shower room from leaking. It seems to be fixed now and they have been very good about getting it right for us. It has however been very frustrating not to have been off and away on our trips and of course getting it right first time would have been much better.

The weather was glorious throughout the whole of the spring and we had some time exploring Derbyshire, Belgium, the Netherlands and North West Germany. We toured in the motorhome, staying on Aires* and campsites. We also made use of the cycle paths and covered many miles on our bicycles.Bruges is beautiful. We took a half hour boat trip and also wandered about on foot. I tried a traditional Belgian hot chocolate in a very quaint tea room. A tray arrived with a bowl of hot milk, a cup made out of chocolate containing chocolate buttons and a small whisk. I tipped the whole lot into the bowl and blended it until all the chocolate had melted. It was very nice but the resulting brew could have been more chocolatey and hotter. During our visit to Dusseldorf Jon and Linda took us to a posh hot chocolate cafe. Here the drink could be ordered in 3 chocolate strengths. Remembering how weak my Belgian one was I didn't listen to the advice of the proprietor and went for 100% Cocoa. It tasted as though half a tin of cocoa had been added to 100ml milk and in order to try and neutralize it a bit I had to add 9 teaspoons of sugar. (I felt like I'd eaten a whole box of chocolates afterwards).

Bruges

We took a bicycle tour around the battle fields of Ypres. Very little remains of the trenches and it is hard to imagine the killing fields of Flanders in the first world war with modern Belgium all around. The bunker where the poem 'In Flanders Fields' is believed to have been written was part of the tour as well as many war graves and historical sites. It was very moving to see the area and try to picture the terrible suffering on all sides. At 8pm every evening there is a last post ceremony at the Menin Gate. Again it's hard to find the words to describe how we felt but it was certainly an emotional moment.

Menin Gate

Daily remembrance ceremony at Menin Gate

So close to the UK and with a direct flight from Norwich, Amsterdam is practically on the doorstep but we've never been. Taking the opportunity to visit with Jon and Linda this spring, we camped about 10km away from the city centre. The campsite was located in a huge natural park with cycle paths, footpaths and waterways. Another cycle path took us to a free ferry and the main train station in Amsterdam city centre. We walked miles around the city and visited the Anne Frank museum. Another tragic waste of life and reminder of the harsh reality of war. The second day we cycled around the city following Jon and Linda on their tandem. This was challenging as we shared the busy roads with cars, pedestrians, taxis, buses, trams and other bicycles. We walked around the famous red light district but weren't lured in to try weed in the coffee houses.

I left my bicycle somewhere....

I had always associated ice creams and prom fronts with a Meditterranean climate. I have been delighted to discover both traditions in Germany and started my birthday celebrations at an Ice Cafe. The day concluded with a delicious meal in a restored windmill. I was also pleased to have advertised the date on Facebook. All day long I received messages and greetings reminding me of my special day.

Birthday started early in an ice cafe the afternoon before

Delicious down to the last drop

Finally, I can celebrate on the day

We all celebrated another far more important birthday this year. Mike's Dad Ray was 80 this year and friends and family joined him and Jennifer for an excellent meal.

Celebrating Ray's birthday with the Kingston family

When we checked in to our campsite in Xanten we were asked if we were there for the bagpipes. We assumed that following occupation by the Ancient Romans, Xanten must have had special ties with Scotland. As we walked around the exhibition field we learnt the legend of bagpipes in this part of Germany. Apparently a German tourist visiting Scotland liked the bagpipes so much he decided to set up a club to teach people how to play. Over the years this has gradually morphed into a Scottish extravaganza with marching pipe bands , traditional Scottish dancing, and the less Scottish cream tea. There were stalls selling kilts, bag pipes and shortbread . We loved it- ecclectic and surreal. It made us feel proud to be British and tempted us to teach them how to make tea. The next day we visited the museum which was very informative and well organised. We're currently staying with Mike's son Lee, his wife Lizzie and their two beautiful daughters, Chloe and Megan. We're off to the Dusseldorf Show tomorrow. I'm sure the non motorhomers amongst you will not be so impressed but it is the biggest motorhome show IN THE WORLD. I'm going to be pushed around in a wheelchair so my foot isn't stressed too much and we'll be looking at all the latest innovations and ideas. We're hoping to stay away over the autumn so I'll be writing again as the adventure unfolds....

xxx

* parking areas for motorhomes where you are permitted to spend the night

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